To ask everyone to stop balloon releases

[Poscapen]

It's always difficult to comment, because people let this rubbish into the air at times of grief. But as I see a load of black balloons released in their 100's, would it be OK to ask that everyone - every single MN'er - pledge to never organise a balloon (or Chinese lantern) release and never take part in one?
We know that the balloons and the threads tied on take a varied amount of time to biodegrade (even the biodegradable ones). We know that helium is a finite resource. We know that these stupid releases kill livestock, pets and wild animals on a frighteningly regular basis. So why is it still happening? Why are we humans so stupid? Don't get me started on sending naked flames and sharp bamboo frames off into the countryside!
If we want to commemorate a lost one surely we can think about things like bee bombs instead? Would the loved one who has passed away want their legacy to be a young foal, just for example, dead because of the balloon and cord tangled in it's throat? Takes the edge off the "Fly free Grandad" label attached doesn't it?

YANBU! I Cant believe people still do this. I'm sorry but grief isn't an excuse, I'm sure someone doesn't want a horse choking to death in their memory.

I have never done it and don’t plan to ever do it. I’ve told my kids it’s basically slow falling litter that can kill animals so I can’t see that they would be lining up to do it either.

I do buy them helium balloons every birthday so I suspect I’ll be on your Shit List for that though.

I am completely against balloon releases and anything similar that could harm the environment or the animals in it. I thought people were aware of the harm and they weren’t done any more. I noticed yesterday the release in tribute of the Cardiff crash victims and was surprised. Plenty of other ways to pay tribute.

I agree, "fly free Nana with the lamb and owl we killed in your memory"

😡

I hate balloon releases but it seems like it’s totally taboo to criticise them given the sensitive nature of why they are being released. Thankfully I’ve never been asked to participate in one as would really hate to have that conversation. Perhaps there needs to be some kind of awareness campaign about the issue. I feel most people know Chinese lanterns are dangerous now?

Balloon releases should be made illegal. Grossly irresponsible and cause terrible harm for what? Nothing but performance grieving/ celebrating/whatever.

There was a balloon release in a town close to me and I had to bite my lip. A young man had died in very sad circumstances. We find the wretched balloons all over the fields and in trees. Lots of the fields have livestock in them and there is also a big population of wild animals locally.

They need banning. Local councils need to act.

I'm going to stick my neck out and say it's a demographic who live mainly in urban estates and just don'knw

SOrry, that should have said, just have no understanding of life outside this particular local town.

I hate balloons and the sooner they are wiped from the face of the earth the better.

No idea how anyone can afford the helium to fill themthese days either - it is really expensive. It is a finite gas which cannot be replaced- could be gone in 15-20 years time.

I think especially when it involves grief it is better not to use words like "stupid" I get it makes you angry. I am not a fan myself but you catch more flies with honey.

I'm also really surprised people still do it. I'm sure there are people out there who don't know the consequences or don't care, but I thought the majority would see it for the bad idea that it is and refuse to take part.

I don't think it's taboo to criticise them but I like your education idea rather than just ranting at people and calling them stupid.

I found a huge helium balloon in my horses hedge last week so YAVMNBU. Luckily he was so scared of it he was pointedly as far away as he could get.

Agree 100 %

Unfortunately the sort of people that indulge in balloon releases usually aren't concerned about anything outside their own little world and will hotly defend their right to do whatever they like 🙁

Fucking horrendous. DCs school organised a rainbow balloon release for pride 5 years ago and there are STILL bits of balloon stuck in trees all over the moor. It is so grim and selfish

Yes, there was a similar thread about a week ago and one poster on there was very ‘I don’t care what you say, I will release balloons if I want to and there’s nothing you can do about it’. 😐

That's particularly silly

Ask them to organise a little pick?

You might reach some of them though.

And yeah I agree they should be banned.

Totally agree. They should be banned.

I have never heard of people doing that for a death, but I agree it seems like a terrible idea.
When I was a child people used to do them as competitions, i.e. attach your name and address to the label and see who goes furthest. I guess we didn't know any better then, but that is 50+ years ago

Maybe someone should start one of those petitions for the government

I truly don't understand why you'd want to litter in the name of a dead loved one. Why not get together and plant loads of beautiful flowers or something. Something you can actually return to and enjoy??

I totally agree. There are so many reasons this is just wrong. A stray balloon injured one of my horses last summer. I think there needs to be a ban on helium balloons.

Couldn't agree more and if I had my way, balloons would be banned, period